The work of furniture designer Illum Wikkelsø wholly embodies the spirit of Scandinavian modernism. With their organic forms and wealth of angles inspired by the Danish countryside, his vintage lounge chairs, sofas and other seating pieces offer ergonomic comfort and lasting visual appeal.
Born Kristian Illum Wikkelsø and raised in a town near Faaborg, Denmark, the designer grew up around carpentry and cabinetmaking. He apprenticed with a cabinetmaker in his teens and enrolled in classes at the Technical Society School in Copenhagen as well as the Danish School of Arts & Crafts. At the latter, Wikkelsø studied under Kaare Klint, an architect and designer widely recognized as the father of modern Danish furniture.
After completing his studies, Wikkelsø went on to work with famed Danish architect and furniture maker Jacob Kjær. After a time with Kjær, he moved on. He went to work for designer and architect Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen at Hvidt & Mølgaard, a firm established by Mølgaard-Nielsen — Wikkelsø’s former instructor at the Technical Society School — and Peter Hvidt that yielded more than 250 designs and lasted over 30 years.
In 1954, Wikkelsø opened his own design studio in Aarhus, Denmark. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, he made quite a name for himself, with designs that were new and innovative to the industry at the time. He created furniture for Holger Christiansen and secured commissions from the Danish government. While he’s likely best known today for his inviting teak and leather lounge chairs or slender rosewood dining chairs, some of Wikkelsø’s 1960s-era lounge chairs merged Danish craftsmanship and Pop art with their unconventionally shaped chrome frames and vibrantly colored upholstery.
Wikkelsø passed away in 1999, but collectors around the world continue to prize his outstanding designs.
Find vintage Illum Wikkelsø tables, seating and case pieces on 1stDibs.
Illum Wikkelso Teak Bar Cabinet Danish Mid Century Modern
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Illum Wikkelsø Teak Cocktail or bar cabinet cabinet, designed for C.F. Christensen. Made in Denmark. Mirrored interior with harlekin mirrors. One glass shelf inside. 31.75″ wide x 16...
Mirror, Teak
Rolling Bar Cabinet in Rosewood from CFC Silkeborg
By Illum Wikkelsø, CFC Silkeborg
Located in Toledo, OH
Rolling Bar Cabinet in Rosewood from CFC Silkeborg. Danish Mid-Century Rosewood drinks cabinet designed by Illum Wikkelso and produced by Silke...
Rosewood
Rosewood Bar Cabinet by Illum Wikkelsø, Danish design, 1960s
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Nørre Aaby, DK
Danish mid-century drinks cabinet in rosewood on casters, designed by Illum Wikkelsø and produced by Silkeborg Møbelfabrik (CFC) in the 1960s. The cabinet features interior shelving...
Rosewood
Bar Cabinet on Wheels in Rosewood, Formica and Steel by Illum Wikkelsø, 1960's
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Bar Cabinet on Wheels in Rosewood, Brass, Formica and Steel by Illum Wikkelsø, 1960's Additional Information: Material: Rosewood, brass, formic...
Rosewood, Formica
1960s I. Wikkelso Palisander Cabinet, Three Folding Tables by Silkeborg, Denmark
By Illum Wikkelsø, Silkenborg
Located in Praha, CZ
- Item was carefully refurbished - labeled by producer - Dimmensions of the 3 Tables: 43x44x41 cm
Wood, Palisander
$1,562 / item
H 66.9 in W 31.5 in D 11.4 in
"Perf" Bar Cabinet in Varnished Steel by Moroso for Diesel
By Moroso, Diesel Creative Team 1
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Perf" is a bar cabinet, designed by Diesel Creative Team and manufactured by Moroso, in varnished steel black mat, with doors in varnished steel available in these colors: copper, b...
Steel
Mid-Century Modern Corner Bar Cabinet in Rosewood
Located in Torino, IT
Rare Mid-Century Modern corner bar cabinet made of rosewood, a fine essence chosen in the 1950s and 1960s for furniture intended for sophisticated and representative interiors. The c...
Palisander
Danish Mid-Century Bar Cabinet in Rosewood by Kurt Østervig
Located in Karlstad, SE
Enhance your home with the classic charm of Scandinavian mid-century design with this breathtaking bar by Kurt Østervig for KP Møbler, Denmark. The rosewood exterior boasts beautiful...
Brass
$990Sale Price|38% Off
H 43.71 in W 39.38 in D 17.72 in
Space Age Meets Tradition Bar Cabinet from Denmark
Located in Munich, DE
Wonderful wow effect bar cabinet from Denmark, clear lines and traditional craftsmanship outside and very modern brushed aluminum details inside....
Teak
$3,295
H 35.5 in W 37.5 in D 18 in
Rosewood Dry Bar Cabinet by M. Hayat & Bros, Brass Inlay, Mid-Century
By M. Hayat & Bros Ltd.
Located in Southampton, NJ
Midcentury bar cabinet of radiant grain solid Rosewood with intricate brass inlay details throughout. Substantial mirrored top panel & drop forward serving surface open simultaneousl...
Brass
Danish Designer, Cabinet, Oak, Brass, Denmark, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
An oak cabinet designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1960s.
Brass
$1,800Sale Price|60% Off
H 28.75 in W 34.5 in D 19.5 in
Midcentury Danish Rosewood Bar Cabinet by Niels Erik Glasdam Jensen
By Niels Erik & Glasdam Jensen
Located in Oakland, CA
Niels Erik Glasdam Jensen expanding midcentury rosewood bar cabinet with two sections that slide out to reveal a stylish interior with...
Rosewood
$1,135
H 59.85 in W 23.63 in D 15.75 in
Vintage Danish Teak Filing Cabinet with Tambour Door by Bjerringbro, 1960s.
By Bjerringbro Kontormøbler
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Danish Teak Filing Cabinet with Tambour Door by Bjerringbro, 1960s. Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern file cabinet with vertical sliding tambour front in teak made by Bjerring...
Teak
$2,870
H 29 in W 38 in D 18 in
Mid-Century Modern Lane Rosewood Rolling Dry Bar Cabinet with Drop-Leaf Top
By Lane Furniture
Located in West Palm Beach, US
Mid-Century Modern Lane Rosewood Rolling Bar Cabinet with Drop-Leaf Top ⸻ Description Mid-century modern bar cabinet by Lane, executed in rosewood. Th...
Wood
$2,195
H 27.62 in W 35.75 in D 17 in
Danish Modern Teak Sliding Door Cabinet by Lyby Møbler, 1960s, Denmark
By Arne Vodder, Laurits M. Larsen, Kai Kristiansen, Lyby Mobler
Located in Chattanooga, TN
A refined statement of Danish craftsmanship, this teak sliding-door cabinet by Lyby Møbler captures the quiet sophistication that defines Scandinavian modern design. Its minimalist f...
Teak
Danish Designer, Cabinet, Oak, Iron, Denmark, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A sizeable oak and iron cabinet designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1960s.
Iron
$3,895
H 43 in W 43.5 in D 20 in
Mid Century Scandinavian Rosewood Bar Cabinet with Sliding Glass Doors
Located in Troy, MI
Circa 1970 Scandinavian bar cabinet in dramatically figured rosewood veneer features two sliding glass doors on the top section over three felt lined drawers on one side and a storage compartment with internal shelf on the other. Tapered legs. Unknown maker. Very good overall vintage condition. Open Shelf Sections...
Glass, Rosewood
Illum Wikkelsø Dry Bar Cabinet
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Bar cabinet by Illum Wikkelsø for C.F. Christensen, rosewood, brass, glass, mirror, Denmark, 1960s. This elegant high-legged cabinet is designed by Illum Wikkelsø and produced by C....
Brass
Illum Wikkelsø Danish Teak Bar Cabinet
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Bar cabinet by Illum Wikkelsø for C.F. Christensen, teak, brass, glass, mirror, Denmark, 1960s. This elegant high-legged cabinet is designed by Illum Wikkelsø and produced by C. F...
Brass
Illum Wikkelsø Danish Rosewood Bar Cabinet
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Illum Wikkelsø for C.F. Christensen, rosewood, brass, glass, mirror, Denmark, 1960s. This elegant high-legged cabinet is designed by Illum Wikkelsø and produced by C. F. Christens...
Brass
Teak Bar Cabinet with Harlekin Mirrors by Illum Wikkelsø
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Handewitt, DE
Cocktail or bar cabinet cabinet, designed by Illum Wikkelsø for C.F. Christensen Denmark. Made in teak. This cabinet has two doors that open to a mirrored interior with harlekin mirr...
Mirror, Teak
Danish Mid Century Modern Credenza or Console Illum Wikkelso
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Teak sideboard attrib to Illum Wikkelsø for Mikael Lauersen 78.5w 18.5d 34h
Wood
Illum Wikkelsø Bar Cabinet Produced in CFC Silkeborg
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare bar cabinet on wheels designed by Illum Wikkelsø. Produced in CFC Silkeborg. Dimensions (W x D x H): 69,5 ( 141 ) x 45,5 x 67 cm.
Brass, Steel
Illum Wikkelsø Rosewood Tambour Dry Bar #2
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Denmark Designer: Illum Wikkelsø Manufacturer: C.F. Christiansen Era: 1960s Materials: Rosewood Measurements: 47? wide x 18? deep x 45.5? tall Interior 27? wide x 16? d...
Rosewood
Classic Danish Modern Credenza or Sideboard by Illum Wikkelso
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic Danish modern credenza or sideboard by Illum Wikkelso, beautiful richly grained teak wood, elegant four-door front (sliding) Left side revealing three drawers, generous stora...
Teak
Sold
H 28.75 in W 66.75 in D 32.75 in
Danish Modern Sculptural Architectural Rosewood Executive Desk by Illum Wikkelsø
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Hudson, NY
A very sleek exotic desk in rosewood by Illum Wikkelsø with six drawers and a finished back. Very nice original finish with a little shading on top from bl...
Rosewood
Bar Cabinet by Illum Wikkelso
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rosewood bar cabinet by Illum Wikkelso and made by C.F. Christensen, Denmark. Tambour doors, two drawers, glass shelf, diamond frosted mirrors, internal...
Rosewood, Glass, Mirror, Laminate